Hong Kong Blaze Claims 44 Lives, Hundreds Trapped; 3 Arrested in Fire Probe

Hong Kong High-Rise Fire Kills 44, Nearly 300 Missing; Construction Officials Detained.

A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has claimed 44 lives, with nearly 300 residents still unaccounted for. Authorities have arrested three senior officials from a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter, citing unsafe renovation practices that may have fueled the blaze.

The fire, which broke out Wednesday afternoon, spread rapidly across multiple 32-storey towers, lasting over 15 hours. Firefighters worked overnight to reach residents trapped on upper floors, while thick smoke continued to pour from several blocks into Thursday morning.

Investigations revealed that buildings were wrapped in plastic sheeting and construction mesh, with some windows sealed using foam material, potentially violating fire-safety norms. Police believe the firm’s gross negligence played a key role in the uncontrollable spread of the fire.

Among the deceased is a firefighter, and at least 45 people remain in critical condition. The incident marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since World War II, surpassing the 1996 Kowloon blaze, and has drawn comparisons to London’s Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the government’s priority is extinguishing remaining fires and rescuing trapped residents. Chinese President Xi Jinping, monitoring from Beijing, called for an “all-out effort” to contain the blaze. The fire has also caused major disruptions, with roads closed, bus routes diverted, and several schools temporarily shut.